GPU Shortage Ends: The Benefits

You may not think about it much, but your computer needs a graphics processing unit (GPU). The GPU allows you to see multimedia content and renders the graphics of your video games. It can also accelerate high-performance computing. The good news? It's no longer as difficult to get a new graphics card at a reasonable price.

A global shortage of GPUs in 2021 made it challenging to obtain new graphics cards. That could stall repairs and upgrades. Plus, people who wanted to build their own computers struggled to do so. If you did find a GPU available, you could expect to pay much more than usual. Scalpers were also buying the chips up and charging exorbitant prices.

One problem was that major chip manufacturers were struggling to source silicon. It's needed for the semiconductor functionality of GPUs. The pandemic slowed and even stopped production at some of the largest silicon manufacturers.

It didn't help any that cryptocurrency miners were buying up GPUs, too. They needed the processing power to mine efficiently.

Why the shortage is over

Fortunately, the GPU storage is ending. GPU manufacturers continued developing chips while waiting for the silicon semiconductors they needed. Now that those are back online, the graphics card companies can quickly make up for lost time.

At the same time, GPUs are no longer the best option for cryptomining. Instead, they have been replaced by more efficient application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs).

What happens next?

Actually, a surplus of older GPUs is expected, as a new generation of GPUs has arrived.

A new GPU series means manufacturers and computer parts stores will look to clear inventory. They'll want to sell off older GPUs to make room for the new product.

This can be good news. You can expect prices of the previous generation of technology to come down. Plus, you can take advantage of the GPU surplus to replace a failing GPU. Or you can now upgrade your graphics card more affordably.

Get in the GPU Game

Want help upgrading your GPU or evaluating if your computer can handle the new GPUs coming in a few months? Our experts can help.